Siasi, Sulu Achieves Historic Peace Milestone with Rido-Free and Gun-Free Declaration
The municipality of Siasi in the province of Sulu has reached a significant achievement in its peace and security efforts. On Sunday, February 8, 2026, Siasi was officially declared a Rido-Free and Gun-Free Town and Peace-Centered Community. This landmark declaration was made possible through the collaborative initiative of operating units from the 11th Infantry Division (11ID), working in close partnership with the Philippine National Police and the municipal government of Siasi.
Formal Declaration and Ceremonial Event
The formal declaration was enacted through a municipal resolution that was read aloud by Siasi Vice Mayor Arnashrif Muksan during a ceremony held at the Laminusa Island Covered Court in Barangay Kongkong, Siasi. The 11ID confirmed this development on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, highlighting that the resolution affirms the municipality's strong commitment to public safety and lasting peace. This event marks a pivotal moment in Siasi's ongoing journey toward enhanced community security and harmony.
Key Stakeholders and Their Contributions
The joint initiative involved multiple military units, including the 104th Infantry Battalion (104IB) under the 1102nd Infantry Brigade (1102Bde). During the ceremony, Siasi Councilor Juruppin Pungutan, representing Mayor Ben-Sayeed Muksan, expressed profound gratitude to various sectors for their unified support. He acknowledged village leaders, the religious community, academic institutions, and security forces, emphasizing that continuous dialogue and cooperation were essential in reaching this declaration. Pungutan specifically recognized the 104IB for its consistent engagement with the local community.
Leadership Messages on Peace and Responsibility
Military leaders delivered powerful messages underscoring the importance of community involvement in peacebuilding. Brigadier General Alaric Avelino Delos Santos, commander of the 1102Bde, noted that this milestone was achieved due to the people's willingness to embrace peace. He stressed that security efforts are most effective when communities take ownership of their shared responsibility in fostering a safer society.
Major General Leonardo Peña, commander of the 11ID, commended the collective efforts of all stakeholders, stating that the conscious choice of peace is vital for development and long-term stability. Peña urged the community to protect and sustain these gains to ensure that future generations are spared from past conflicts.
Symbolic Acts and Broader Implications
A ceremonial presentation of previously surrendered firearms during the event symbolized the community's firm resolve to maintain Siasi as a safe and violence-free environment. The 11ID remarked that this declaration serves as a testament to what unified action among citizens, local government units, and security forces can accomplish in building peaceful and resilient communities.
The declaration ceremony was attended by key figures, including Lieutenant Colonel Roy Dalumpines, commander of the 104IB, along with municipal and village officials, religious leaders, and peace partners. Notably, Siasi becomes the second town to be declared a Gun-Free Municipality and Peace-Centered Community within the operational area of the 1102Bde, following the town of Omar, which received a similar declaration on January 29 through a municipal council resolution.
